July 28, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Common Auto Defects and How to Spot Them When Buying a New Vehicle

Buying a new car is an exciting experience, but if you’re buying a second hand used car, it’s important to know what you’re looking at in order to avoid buying a lemon vehicle. Auto defects can come in many different forms, and unfortunately not everyone who sells a car will be honest if the car has issues. In this article, you’ll learn the common auto defects you should watch out for and how to spot them when you’re looking to buy a new vehicle. 

  1. Electrical System Failures

Electrical system failures are a common issue in lemon vehicles. Some things to watch out for include:

  • Faulty wiring issues which could be seen in malfunctioning dashboard indicators or flickering lights. 
  • Battery issues such as problems starting the car is a sign there may be problems with battery drainage or issues with the battery charging when the car is on. 
  • Electrical shorts which could cause issues with the windows going up and down or the radio not working. 

While you don’t have to be an electrician to spot electrical system failures, you can see issues if some of the electrical indicators aren’t working. If you’re not sure, ask if you can get the vehicle checked by a professional mechanic. If you do buy a lemon vehicle without realizing it, it’s important to seek legal advice from a Lemon Law Attorney Los Angeles or one that resides in your local area. 

  1. Brake System Defects

Brake system defects are a major issue in lemon vehicles. Some signs there may be issues with brake systems include: 

  • Brakes taking time to stop the vehicle when you push down on the pedal. You’ll either feel stiffness or the brakes being too soft. 
  • Listen for grinding and squeaking noises when applying the brakes.
  • Check for brake warning lights or ABS warning lights on the dashboard. 

If you find issues with the brakes maybe assess whether it needs to be checked by a mechanic before you consider buying it. 

  1. Steering System Issues

Steering issues can cause a major accident if not correctly checked and fixed. Signs the vehicle you’re looking at may have steering issues include: 

  • Check how smoothly the car can turn when you’re test driving it. If the vehicle has power steering and it’s too tight or loose then there could be an issue with the power steering. 
  • When driving straight, see whether the vehicle drives straight or pulls heavily to the side. While a vehicle may gently move to the side of the road when driving as a safety feature, it shouldn’t heavily pull sideways. If it pulls heavily there could be alignment issues. 
  • If there’s whining or clunking noises when turning the wheel it could mean issues with the internal mechanics of the steering wheel. 

Steering issues could indicate something more serious with the vehicle, so always be careful when purchasing a car if the vehicle shows these signs. If you’re planning to use your vehicle for a job like Uber, for example, it’s even more important to make sure you don’t buy a lemon vehicle. 

  1. Transmission and Engine Defects

Engine and transmission issues can lead to the car not driving correctly (or at all). Some signs your car has engine and transmission defects include: 

  • If there’s grinding noises, jerky transitions or hesitation in the vehicle when changing gears. This could be a sign of transmission problems. 
  • If there’s fluid leaks under the car after a test drive it could indicate problems with cracks or seal issues. 
  • If the engine is making hissing, rattling or knocking noises it could mean the engine is failing. 

Engine issues especially are serious, especially if the check engine light turns on. Try to avoid vehicle purchases where engine issues are found.

Endnote

Whether you’re buying a vehicle for yourself or someone you know, it’s important to be on the lookout for a lemon vehicle in order to save you money and also to avoid having fines issued by a police officer. If you find you bought a lemon vehicle don’t be afraid to seek legal advice to ensure you get a fair outcome for the purchase.

Tags: in sponsored
Related Posts

5 Tips for Going on a Wellness Break

May 31, 2025

May 31, 2025

The past years have seen the growing importance of physical and mental wellness as crucial components that keep a person...

How Families Can Cope After a Tragic Loss In California

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

One of the most painful experiences someone can ever go through is losing a loved one. For families in California,...

Can Crypto Fix What Venice City Hall Can’t?

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Venice continues to struggle with visible homelessness and a system that feels stuck. Projects like Venice Dell, once pitched as...

California Targets Inactive Exchange Wallets with New Crypto Law

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

The California State Assembly has passed a new law under its ‘Unclaimed Property’ law, which will allow the state to...

Beauty Habits That Feel Like a Treat, Not a Task

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

Instead of being something we enjoy, many of us treat skincare like another job to check off the list. But...

What Healthy Work Friendships Can Do For Your Career

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Work is work—until it isn’t. Some days it feels like a grind, but other days, the proper conversation with the...

Smart Living in Uncertain Times: Habits That Future-Proof Your Life

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

Modern life is marked by volatility. Economic downturns, shifting industries, digital disruption, and global crises have made it imperative to...

Most Popular Forms of Digital Entertainment in California

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Much of our lives takes place in increasingly digital spaces, and where we seek entertainment should be included in that...

5 Key Signs Your Vehicle is a Lemon

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Purchasing a new or used car is a significant investment, and for many people, it’s one of the most expensive...

7 best casino games that keep players coming back for more

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

Casinos are timeless. Every time you step onto a gaming floor or log in from your laptop or mobile device,...

UK Advertising Rules That Online Game Developers Must Follow

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Online gaming operations in the United Kingdom exist under thorough regulations which focus specifically on advertising rules. The knowledge of...

From the Stadium to Your Phone: The Future of Sports Betting in California

March 1, 2025

March 1, 2025

The Shift to Mobile The evolution of mobile technology has paved the way for the rise of mobile sports betting....

Can My Therapist Write an ESA Letter?

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Emotional support animals (ESA) are essential companions to many, and it’s important that your ESA is officially recognized if you...

5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Lemon Law Attorney

January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025

It’s such a fulfillment to purchase a car, which makes it necessary to go for only the best. However, sometimes,...

How Californians Relax During the Holiday Season

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

Many Californians feel a mix of excitement and worry as the holidays get closer. As Christmas nears, the rush to...